Skip to main content


Chicago atheist loses fight against cross

Supreme Court unlikely to bother with case.

An atheist from Chicago is losing a fight to keep the Bald Knob Cross from being renovated with public funds. Robert Sherman, a self-proclaimed atheist, says he does not think the US Supreme Court will agree to hear his case. 

Bald Knob Cross will continue to stand for the faithful public.

Bald Knob Cross will continue to stand for the faithful public.

CHICAGO, IL (Catholic Online) - The Bald Knob Cross was funded by local farmers and erected 130 miles southeast of St. Louis in 1963. The hilltop has been a popular site for Easter services since 1937.

The cross also generates tourism revenues for the surrounding merchants. 

Sherman brought his claim against the state when it pledged a $20,000 grant to the preservation of the cross. However, several courts have denied his claim saying that he lacks standing to bring the case. 

Friends of the Bald Knob Cross Foundation says it's not upset over the suit. They just plan to continue business as usual.

© 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM. 

- - -

Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention:
The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.

Keywords: Atheist, Bald Knob Cross

NEWSLETTERS »

E-mail:       Zip Code: (ex. 90001)
Today's Headlines

Sign up for a roundup of the day's top stories. 5 days / week. See Sample

Rate This Article

Very Helpful Somewhat Helpful Not Helpful at All

Yes, I am Interested No, I am not Interested

Rate Article

1 - 3 of 3 Comments

  1. MARIA MURESANU,
    9 months ago

    we all christian peoples have to get together to pray for the new coming president, forget about party or religious we have to see what is good for America the communist party is knocking a the door. God bless you all; Maria

  2. DLL
    9 months ago

    The cross is a symbol of sacrificial love,a love that is given,such as the death of a soldier,in a war,for the triumph of good over evil,for the one who died in such a manner,it is a crucifixion. It is not just a religious symbol. The cross respects the death of martyrs who die so that freedom and liberty are defined by justice for all. "There is no greater love than this! To give up ones own life for their friends". To be able to do that is an example of true love. Our nation finds this to be commendable,admitting that without such who have sacrificed their lives for our country we could not have a free and just society. The cross represents freedom and truth will prevail. The cross represents a good life well lived,as is evidenced by the presence of it in every cemetery everywhere in the world.

  3. Juneau Alaska
    9 months ago

    It is patriotic to defend the Constitution when people of faith challenge the Establishment Clause. If $20,000 taxpayer dollars was being used to upkeep a Mormon statue of Moroni instead of a cross, would it have made a difference in the public perception? Cheers! -Mike

Leave a Comment

Comments submitted must be civil, remain on-topic and not violate any laws including copyright. We reserve the right to delete any comments which are abusive, inappropriate or not constructive to the discussion.

Though we invite robust discussion, we reserve the right to not publish any comment which denigrates the human person, undermines marriage and the family, or advocates for positions which openly oppose the teaching of the Catholic Church.

This is a supervised forum and the Editors of Catholic Online retain the right to direct it.

We also reserve the right to block any commenter for repeated violations. Your email address is required to post, but it will not be published on the site.

We ask that you NOT post your comment more than once. Catholic Online is growing and our ability to review all comments sometimes results in a delay in their publication.

Send me important information from Catholic Online and it's partners. See Sample

Post Comment


Newsletter Sign Up

Daily Readings

Reading 1, Second Corinthians 9:6-11
But remember: anyone who sows sparsely will reap sparsely as ... Read More

Psalm, Psalms 112:1-2, 3-4, 9
Alleluia! How blessed is anyone who fears Yahweh, who delights ... Read More

Gospel, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
'Be careful not to parade your uprightness in public to attract ... Read More

Saint of the Day

June 19 Saint of the Day

St. Romuald
June 19: St. Romuald was born at Ravenna about the year 956. In spite ... Read More